Life

How I went from couch to 5k

January 19, 2015

How I went from couch to 5kMy attitude to exercise has changed a lot in the past couple of years. Growing up, I never enjoyed sports (apart from a brief love affair with cheerleading at university), and anything I did get into was usually with the aim of losing weight/staying slim. Let’s be real: I’m still interested in staying slim, but I’ve slowly realised that exercise is really important for my general wellbeing, too. Now, I’m mostly interested in forming exercise habits that will last me a lifetime. I want to be fit and active when I’m 50, 60, 70 and beyond – and I know I definitely do not want to be traipsing to the gym for the next 30 plus years! That’s why I’ve started focusing on exercise that I really enjoy and can see myself enjoying for a long time, like yoga and cycling.

I’d always secretly yearned to add running to the list. As an activity it seems so liberating and carefree – the idea of being able to just put on your trainers and get going. The thing is, I’d tried running a couple of times in the past but had never managed to get past the feeling-like-I-was-going-to-die phase. That’s why when I heard about the Couch to 5k series – basically eight weeks of podcasts guaranteed to get even couch potatoes running 5k – it immediately appealed to me. I like to think that I’m slightly fitter than a couch potato, so I fancied my chances and I made running 5k my one resolution last New Year.

And you know, it really worked. The series is very gentle, with lots of walking at the start – in fact, in the first podcast you only run in one-minute bursts. But before you know it, you’re running* for 20 minutes at a time, and without feeling like you might keel over at any time! Having Laura (the podcast voice lady) there to talk me through each run meant I didn’t really have to think about what I was doing; I just had to put in my headphones and set off. I also liked that each run/podcast only lasts about 30 minutes, so they are really easy to fit into daily life.

Even though it was the depth of winter, I managed to drag myself out of bed at 6.30am a couple of mornings a week to go running before work, or if I really couldn’t face it first thing, I would take my gear to work to run during my lunch hour. I’m not sure where exactly this enthusiasm came from, but I think having a tangible end goal really helped me – I kept thinking how proud I’d feel when I actually completed my first 5k. (A little disclaimer here: you’re supposed to do each podcast three times in a week before moving on to the next – I aimed for this, but realistically, I usually did each one two times a week and it still worked for me.)

I planned to do a Park Run as my first proper 5k. In case you’ve not heard of them before, they’re free, 5k timed runs that take place weekly in parks all over the UK. They’re open to everyone – seriously, I’ve seen everyone, from small kids to little old ladies, getting involved. There’s something really nice about running with a big group of people: it pushes me to go a little bit faster and there’s such a sense of accomplishment at the finish line. I normally don’t get too fussed about distances and times when I run, but it’s nice to use Park Runs as a benchmark to see whether my time is slowly improving.

Now onto the fun bit: gear! In theory, running is very low cost, but it does involve some initial outlay. Essentials include a decent sports bra (I always get fitted at Bravissimo) and proper trainers. I went to a running shop and had my gait analysed to make sure the money I was spending wasn’t going to be wasted. I bought the cheapest shoes I could and they were still £80(!), but I’ve felt nary a twinge since I started running in them – in fact, the only injury I’ve sustained while running was before I got some decent shoes. I also bought a few nice bits to wear, as I find having decent clothes actually makes me want to go out running – plus, they’re designed to wick away sweat and stuff. I can highly recommend H&M for good quality, stylish sportswear that’s not crazy expensive.

It’s a year later and I suppose the question is, am I still running? Well, yes, sort of. The cold weather and Christmas have seen the running dwindle to nothing, but I’m not beating myself up about it; I’ll start again soon. And it’s true: there’s nothing quite like the freedom of being able to run wherever you are, nor its mind-clearing, meditative quality.

In the grand scheme of things, mine is a small achievement really – for many of my friends, running 5k is absolutely nothing. But for me, it felt really good. There’s something incredibly cool about feeling positive about your body and what it can achieve instead of always wishing it was different. Next on the list – and my aim for this year – is a 10k run. After that, who knows – a marathon?! I’ll keep you posted – for now, I’m just taking it one year at a time…

(*jogging really slowly)

Have you tried Couch to 5k? What did you think?

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12 Comments

  • kate@kate-chapman.co.uk'
    Reply Kate January 22, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Wow well done – I used to run before I had kids and have been thinking I need to get my trainers back on! Great post – think you’ve helped inspire me – and good luck with your 10k goal! Look forward to reading how you get on. Visiting via #brilliantblogposts

    • Reply Rachel January 24, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I think it’s always hardest to get back into it, but as they say, you never regret going for a run…

  • anotherbun1@gmail.com'
    Reply Another Bun January 22, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    I’m planning on doing couch 2 5k once baby arrives – hopefully I will find it straightforward and get in to the swing of running before winter approaches. Visiting via #brilliantblogposts

    • Reply Rachel January 24, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Yes, it’s much easier to run in the summer 🙂

  • joloreading@gmail.com'
    Reply The Reading Residence January 22, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    I am about to begin this, and so hope I get on with it, too! Like you, I was never into sports and exercise, but the idea of running and keeping fit really appeals now, but I admit, my new trainers arrived last week and the freezing weather has put me off! I will start any day now!

    • Reply Rachel January 24, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      I was amazed that it actually works! Honestly, the first couple of podcasts are really gentle, nothing to be scared of.

  • michelledpannell@gmail.com'
    Reply Michelle Twin Mum January 22, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    Ohh well done, I’ve just embarked on this challenge. Mich x

  • Bloggermummylauren@gmail.com'
    Reply Bloggermummylauren January 22, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    A friend donated me a treadmill so I decided to try the couch to 5k at home on the treadmill. I have only tried it twice and it looks great but I had to stop half way through the seconds because I couldn’t breath! Hoping to get myself sorted and try it again soon.

    • Reply Rachel January 24, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      Have you tried jogging/running at a slower speed? I always go super slow and I find that helps with stamina.

  • Mum@honestmum.com'
    Reply HonestMum January 23, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    So inspirational. Well done. Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts, please add my badge or link back. Thanks

    • Reply Rachel January 24, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      Oops! Forgot to add the badge, all fixed now. x

  • oneluckymummy2013@gmail.com'
    Reply becky January 29, 2015 at 9:09 am

    I downloaded the app last summer, but never got round to it. It is however on my to do list (or more To Start) for February, my heart is in it so I know I will do it this time!

    #TheList

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